this is not true. it is based on work credits per year which is based on what you earned and how recently you earned it. for one person it may be 4 yrs or less, for another 6 or more. from SSA website:
"Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year.
The amount needed for a credit changes from year to year. In 2006, for example, you earn one credit for each $970 of wages or self-employment income. When you've earned $3,880, you've earned your four credits for the year. In 2007, you will earn one credit for each $1000 of wages or self-employment income. When you've earned $4,000, you've earned your four credits for the year."
source: How Much Work Do You Need?: Disability Planner
also, the source for disability employment is the Redbook on SSA website:
Social Security Online - The Red Book
from the Redbook:
"How Do We Figure Your Payment Amount?
SSDI
We base your SSDI payment amount on the worker's lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. The amount is adjusted each year to account for cost-of-living changes. We may reduce the amount if you receive Workers' Compensation payments (including Black Lung payments) and/or public disability benefits, for example, certain State and civil service disability benefits. Other income or resources do not affect the payment amount."
warning: do NOT depend on a local SSA office for accurate info. the workers are often poorly trained and frequently do not know the rules.
note: if blind, the rules differ significantly in your favor. this is a bias reflected on your income tax as well.
i was on SSDI w/o 10 yrs work experience. you cannot quantify it in years but in credits. it's confusing, i know.
